No one should be advocating for the OKC Thunder to try and acquire All-Star point guard Ja Morant ahead of this year's trade deadline, but that doesn't mean they can't still jump in on the fun.
After months of speculation, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Memphis Grizzlies are officially "entertaining offers" from opposing teams in pursuit of their franchise cornerstone.
Per the NBA Insider, rival executives believe that GM Zach Kleiman would prioritize draft picks and/ or young players in a possible exchange.
Considering their desire to consolidate their own draft asset collection, this should be music to the Thunder's ears.
Thunder should look to partake as a third party for Ja Morant blockbuster
As things currently stand, Oklahoma City possesses north of 30 draft picks through 2031, nearly half of which are first rounders.
In other words, considering the amount of long-term mainstays already featured within their rotation, coupled with the fact that there are only 15 players allowed on an active roster, this collection of assets is simply far too large for them to hold onto.
Because of this, it is widely believed that the Thunder will be looking into ways to part with a large quantity of these picks in some sort of trade in exchange for better quality (Ex. three future picks projected in the mid-to-late rounds for one that could possibly land in the lottery).
As things currently stand, the most noteworthy teams being tabbed as potential candidates to land the 26-year-old are the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Miami Heat, none of whom have an extensive collection of draft capital at their disposal.
This is where the Thunder come into play.
Oklahoma City should be interested in finagling their way into any trade negotiations regarding Morant for the sheer purpose of either, A, consolidating their own collection of picks, or, B, using them to bring on a reasonably priced talent who can help address some of their on-court weaknesses.
Whether it's coughing up a few picks to land a promising young prospect such as Kasparas Jakucionis from Miami to help address their putrid catch-and-shoot woes or an experienced, multi-faceted big man who can flesh out their frontcourt depth like Bucks power forward Bobby Portis, there are more ways to benefit from entering into trade talks than just attaining picks.
Though the popular belief is that the Thunder will presumably stand pat for yet another trade season, they have the power to spice things up in a highly beneficial way by serving as a third-party in a possible Morant blockbuster.